Wall Mount Pergolas

You have a house wall, a deck or back door patio, and a sunny afternoon that makes it hard to sit outside. A pergola fixed to the house is one way to add shade without building a separate structure in the yard. This page will help you decide if that suits your space, and which material and size to look at.

Treated pine pergolas for smaller decks and doorways

Treated pine is the warm, traditional choice. The Vintage Classic range in this material starts small, at 8' x 8', which is about right for a compact deck or a spot just outside a back door. It gives you a shaded corner for a bistro table or two chairs without taking over the yard.

If you want room for a small dining set, the 8' x 10', 8' x 14' and 10' x 12' sizes give more length along the wall. They suit a patio where the door sits in the middle and you want the shade to run past it on both sides.

Treated pine pergolas for larger entertaining areas

Pine also comes in much bigger sizes, which makes it a useful route if you have a wide deck and a smaller budget than vinyl would need. The 12' x 16', 14' x 14' and 14' x 20' sizes can cover a dining table, a seating group, or both. The 12' x 24' and 14' x 24' sizes stretch along the back of a house.

For a very wide wall, the range goes up to 16' x 28' and 16' x 32'. Check that your wall is long enough, and leave space around the structure so it does not crowd the rest of the yard.

Vinyl pergolas for low upkeep

Vinyl suits people who would rather not think about the structure once it is up. The Vintage Classic vinyl pergolas keep the same classic look as the pine ones, in a material many people choose for easy care. Sizes start at 8' x 8', and 8' x 10' and 8' x 12' are good fits for a small patio.

The middle sizes, such as 10' x 10', 10' x 14' and 10' x 16', work for a table and chairs with space to move around them. Expect to pay more than for pine at the same size, so it helps to decide how much you value the low maintenance.

Large vinyl pergolas for wide patios

If you have a big patio and want a pergola that looks like part of the house, the larger vinyl sizes are worth a look. The 14' x 20', 14' x 24' and 16' x 20' sizes cover a lot of ground. At the top of the range are the 16' x 24' and 16' x 28', made for a wide, deep outdoor room.

How to choose

A few things matter more than the rest.

• Material: treated pine or vinyl. Pine costs less at each size. Vinyl costs more but suits those who want less upkeep.
• Wall length: the first number in each size is a good place to start, but measure your wall and check which dimension runs along the house and which projects out.
• Depth: a deeper pergola gives more shade, but it also reaches further into the yard. Think about where the sun comes from in the afternoon.
• What goes underneath: a dining table needs more room than two chairs. Mark the size out on the ground with tape or string before you buy.
• Budget: price rises steeply with size, so a slightly smaller pergola can save a lot.

Questions people ask

Is a wall mount pergola right for me?

It suits you if you have a solid house wall beside the deck or patio and want shade close to the door. If your seating area sits away from the house, a freestanding structure may fit better.

Which size should I pick?

Measure the area you want shaded, then add space for walking around the furniture. If you are between two sizes, the larger one is usually more comfortable to live with.

Can I fit one myself?

Follow the manufacturer's manual and check what your house wall is made of before you start. If you are unsure, ask a qualified installer.

Do I need permission to build one?

Rules differ from place to place. Check with your local building office or homeowners association before you order.